Day 4: Make Shopping Lists

Today's Checklist

Take inventory of your pantry. Toss old items and restock the staples.

Inspect the guest room — by sleeping there. That's the easiest way to find out what's missing (a reading lamp? decent pillows?). Also, straighten up the guest room now to avoid a mad scramble later. (If overnighters will sleep on a sofa bed, vacuum the mattress and underneath the cushions.)

Pull out the table linens you plan to use and the hand towels for the bathroom. Are they faded? Developing mysterious spots? Wash accordingly. (GHRI likes Restoration brand detergent for vintage linens.) If they're too far gone (or the thought of scrubbing a tablecloth makes you want to scream), snap up some stain-resistant tablecloths and inexpensive hand towels while you're running errands this week.

Pick up some plastic containers; they'll hold prepared items before the meal and leftovers afterward — and make good doggie bags for guests. Also get extra foil and plastic wrap, kitchen twine, trash bags, paper towels, and toilet paper (if you haven't already found this stuff on sale). Consider buying nonperishable grocery items now, too, to shorten the inevitable marathon shopping trip next week.